J Autism Dev Disord [JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Why Music Matters: Music-Listening Functions and Motives in Autistic and Non-autistic Adults.
Li J, Ong JH, Bernotaite Z … +2 more , Sujawal M, Liu F
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Apr · PMID 41926015 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Listening to music is a common part of daily life and people engage with it for many different reasons. Qualitative research offers detailed insight into autistic individuals’ musical listening experiences, yet...
PURPOSE: Listening to music is a common part of daily life and people engage with it for many different reasons. Qualitative research offers detailed insight into autistic individuals’ musical listening experiences, yet the absence of direct quantitative comparisons limits understanding of how these experiences align with or differ from those of non-autistic individuals. This study compared autistic and non-autistic adults’ everyday functions of music listening, with a focus on coping motives and the core psychological functions of music. METHODS: Autistic (n = 52) and non-autistic adults (n = 60), matched on demographic, cognitive, and music background variables, completed questionnaires assessing how often they use music to cope with negative emotions or stress, and how strongly they agree with a range of reasons for listening to music. Intentional music listening was included as a covariate to control for differences in music exposure. Group differences were examined at both category and item levels. RESULTS: The groups did not differ in their ratings of self-awareness, arousal and mood regulation, or social relatedness as reasons for listening to music. Autistic adults reported using music more often for coping with negative mood or stress. At the item level, only the statement “music is a social experience” differed between groups; all other social items showed comparable ratings. CONCLUSION: Autistic and non-autistic adults show broadly similar reasons for music listening, with coping emerging as a specific area of greater use among autistic adults. These findings suggest both shared and context-sensitive aspects of everyday music engagement in autism.
Bridging Worlds: The Workplace Experience of Autistic Adults.
Fridchay J, Reizer A
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41910942 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Despite growing interest in autistic adults' employment outcomes, little is known about how autistic individuals experience everyday workplace dynamics-particularly in relation to colleagues and social inclusion...
PURPOSE: Despite growing interest in autistic adults' employment outcomes, little is known about how autistic individuals experience everyday workplace dynamics-particularly in relation to colleagues and social inclusion. This study aimed to explore how autistic employees in Israel perceive their work experiences, including challenges, sources of meaning, and interpersonal interactions. METHODS: Ten autistic adults participated in semi-structured interviews, conducted in Hebrew and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Participants were recruited via autism-related organizations and online platforms using a snowball sampling approach. Interviews focused on experiences of teamwork, communication, disclosure, and inclusion. RESULTS: Four key themes emerged: (1) Work as a source of meaning; (2) Disclosure as a relational dilemma; (3) Workplace communication as a "foreign language"; and (4) Coworkers as key actors in everyday inclusion. Participants described varied experiences shaped by everyday peer interactions. CONCLUSIONS: Findings underscore that inclusion is not solely determined by organizational policies but is co-constructed through everyday interactions between autistic and non-autistic employees. These dynamics present both barriers and opportunities for fostering social integration, authenticity, and workplace wellbeing. Implications are discussed for inclusive practices and future research on neurodiversity in the workplace.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Self-harm in Chinese Children and Adolescents: A Mediation by Resilience.
Xiang Y, Lu J, Ran H … +10 more , Che Y, Fang D, Wang S, Chen L, Liang X, Peng J, Sun H, Li Q, Shi Y, Xiao Y
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41910941 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Existing evidence suggests that resilience may play as a mediator in the association between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and self-harm (SH) in youths. However, no published studies have eve...
OBJECTIVE: Existing evidence suggests that resilience may play as a mediator in the association between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and self-harm (SH) in youths. However, no published studies have ever thoroughly discussed this topic. We aim to analyze the mediation by resilience in ADHD-SH association by using a large representative sample of Chinese children and adolescents. METHOD: A total of 17,151 study subjects chosen from 3 study sites of the ongoing Mental Health Survey for Children and Adolescents in Yunnan (MHSCAY) were included into the final analysis. Valid self-reporting instruments for measuring ADHD symptoms, resilience, and SH among children and adolescents were used for data collection. Based on sequential multivariate logistic regression models fitting results, a series of path models were constructed to estimate the mediation by resilience in ADHD-SH association. Stratified analysis was used to check for possible effect modification by key factors. RESULTS: Resilience played as a significant mediator, mediated 33.12%, 28.10%, 37.78% of the total associations between ADHD symptoms and SH prevalence, SH repetition, SH severity. The “outer resources” dimensions of resilience, which largely measure social support from parents and peers, presented much stronger mediation. Stratified analysis by age, sex, ethnicity, and left-behind status revealed prominent effect modification by the four factors in mediation of resilience. CONCLUSIONS: Resilience-based intervention measures, especially those targeting at rebuilding parental and peer social support, might be effective in preventing ADHD symptoms related SH in Chinese children and adolescents.
Does Having Autism Impact One's Ability to Report Autistic Characteristics? A Comparison of Self, Informant, and Clinician Reports.
Watt H, Weber N, Lim AEQS … +1 more , Young R
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41910940 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to determine whether autistic individuals self-report their autistic symptomology similar to how a significant other and clinician does. Of further interest was investigating whe...
PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to determine whether autistic individuals self-report their autistic symptomology similar to how a significant other and clinician does. Of further interest was investigating whether requiring autistic individuals to self-report on assessment tools which require them to hold insight as to how their behaviours are perceived by others contributed to low concordance between self-reports and reports provided by significant others. METHODS: Archival diagnostic data of 62 autistic adults were extracted from a private psychology practice’s online database. These data included SRS-2 self and informant raw item scores, and standardised and raw subscale scores. Adaptive functioning data, and demographic variables including age and gender of the autistic person were extracted. Further, a clinician’s impression of the self-reporter’s autistic characteristics was measured via the Autism Behaviour Inventory – Clinician Version. RESULTS: We found low concordance between self and informant SRS-2 reports on all SRS-2 subscales, including items requiring insight. This low concordance was driven by females who tended to report lower SRS-2 scores relative to their informant. Limited evidence was found in support of a relationship between SRS-2 self and informant-reports when compared to a clinician’s impression. CONCLUSION: Although tools such as the SRS-2 are used by clinicians to gather information during autism diagnoses, self-reports and informant reports in this study were not always concordant. Further they did not map well with clinician’s impressions. Perceptions of difficulty vary between persons doing the reporting, highlighting the need for a multi-faceted and multi-informant approaches to diagnostic assessments.
Efficacy of Interventions Adhering to the Revised Ayres Sensory Integration® Fidelity Measure: A Systematic Review.
Kishida Y, Stephenson J, Kemp C … +1 more , Salisbury C
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41903087 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Sensory integration therapy is used widely despite an inconsistent evidence base. To overcome the limited availability of high-quality research, Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) was manualized and a revised fidel...
PURPOSE: Sensory integration therapy is used widely despite an inconsistent evidence base. To overcome the limited availability of high-quality research, Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) was manualized and a revised fidelity measure was developed following the identification of the principles of ASI®. The aim of this systematic review is to examine the proximal and distal effects of interventions in studies that explicitly reported the use of or adherence to the process elements of the fidelity measure. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Following the screening of 2561 titles and abstracts, full-text screening was conducted. Appraisal was conducted on the quality of experimental studies and Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) administration. RESULTS: Ten studies that involved children younger than 10 years were identified. Positive outcomes were reported in higher risk of bias studies and case studies. Only four studies were rated as having a low risk of bias. No study directly measured both proximal and distal outcomes, used blind assessors, and reported intervention fidelity data. Mixed results were reported in low risk of bias studies. The quality of the GAS used was poor in studies where positive outcomes were identified. CONCLUSION: There is limited current evidence to support the positive effect of interventions adhering to the ASI fidelity measure. Recommendations include (a) using practices or strategies that are supported by a higher level of evidence to explicitly address needs and functional goals prioritized by individuals and their families, and (b) modifying environments to support individuals who present with sensory difficulties.
Temperamental Traits and Sensory Responsiveness in Children on the Autism Spectrum: The Moderating Role of Age.
Krzysztofik K
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41903086 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: What is observable in children on the autism spectrum is not only a specific developmental dynamic of temperamental profiles but also the contribution of sensory responsiveness to explaining the level of their t...
PURPOSE: What is observable in children on the autism spectrum is not only a specific developmental dynamic of temperamental profiles but also the contribution of sensory responsiveness to explaining the level of their temperamental traits. The aim of the conducted research was to determine whether the associations between temperamental traits and sensory responsiveness differed in two groups of children on the autism spectrum: younger (aged between 3 and 6 years) and older (aged between 7 and 11 years). METHOD: A group of 394 children diagnosed with autism was investigated: 208 aged between 3 and 6 years, and 186 aged between 7 and 11 years. The following tools were used: Sensory Experiences Questionnaire 3.0-Polish Version, and EAS-C Temperament Questionnaire. RESULTS: The results indicate that the level of temperamental traits in the participating children is determined by the level of various dimensions of sensory responsiveness—to a greater extent in younger children than in older ones. The moderating role of age can be seen in the association of sociability with sensory hyporesponsiveness. In turn, sensory hyperresponsiveness and sensory seeking are associated with activity and shyness in both age groups. CONCLUSION: It can therefore be concluded that in the group of younger children on the autism spectrum, more aspects of temperament can be explained by the dimensions of sensory responsiveness than in older children.
Digital Health Technologies Empower Family-Mediated Interventions for Autistic Children: A Scoping Review.
Xu P, Shen Z, Wang Q … +2 more , Hu Y, Hu Y
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41893967 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: The developmental characteristics of autistic children underscore the pivotal importance of family-mediated interventions during their therapeutic process. Digital health technologies offer advantages in efficie...
PURPOSE: The developmental characteristics of autistic children underscore the pivotal importance of family-mediated interventions during their therapeutic process. Digital health technologies offer advantages in efficiency, flexibility, and personalization, which can aid caregivers in effectively carrying out family-mediated interventions. A comprehensive understanding of current application status is essential to provide references for future research and practice. METHODS: Following the methodology of scoping review, a systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, CNKI, Sinomed, and Wanfang Database. The search was limited to studies published from March 2015 to March 2025. Descriptive analyses were performed based on the research questions and objectives. RESULTS: The initial search identified 1,163 studies, with 36 ultimately included. The technology types supporting family-mediated interventions through digital health technologies included mobile applications, augmented reality applications, video conferencing, online websites, speech-generating devices, virtual reality, robots, and wearables. Among caregiver-focused applications, digital health technologies were most frequently used for caregiver training, while for autistic children, the primary application was improving social communication skills. The efficacy of digital health technologies in supporting family-mediated interventions showed generally positive outcomes, but there were also some challenges in the implementation process. CONCLUSION: There remains substantial potential to further integrate digital health technologies into family-mediated interventions. Future research should focus on enhancing the quality and sustainability of these interventions, employing more rigorous study designs and standardized evaluation approaches to comprehensively assess outcomes for autistic children and their caregivers.
Parental Stress and Child Well-Being in Autism, Epilepsy, and Their Comorbidity: A Comparative Study.
García-Rubio MJ, Costa MA, Zamora ML … +1 more , Villagrasa AC
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41893966 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: This study examined differences in parental stress and child quality of life (QoL) among families of children with autism, epilepsy, and their comorbidity. The study also explored the associations between dimens...
PURPOSE: This study examined differences in parental stress and child quality of life (QoL) among families of children with autism, epilepsy, and their comorbidity. The study also explored the associations between dimensions of parental stress and child QoL within the comorbid group. METHODS: A total of 150 caregiver–child dyads (ages 7–10) were equally distributed across three diagnostic groups: autism, epilepsy, and comorbid autism + epilepsy. Parental stress and child QoL were assessed using validated caregiver-report instruments. Group comparisons were conducted using ANOVAs and post hoc tests, and association analyses were performed within the comorbid group. RESULTS: Families of children with comorbid autism + epilepsy showed the highest levels of parental stress and the lowest QoL scores across all domains, followed by the autism and epilepsy groups. Within the comorbid group, parental stress dimensions were significantly associated with several aspects of child QoL. Effect sizes across analyses were large, indicating substantial group differences. CONCLUSION: Comorbidity of autism and epilepsy was associated with greater parental stress and reduced child QoL compared to single diagnoses. These findings highlight the relevance of considering parental stress in clinical evaluations. Interpretations should be made cautiously given the lack of clinical severity indicators, and future research would benefit from longitudinal approaches and detailed clinical characterization.
Autistic Traits and Cognitive Flexibility in Adolescents With Epilepsy: A Comparative Study of Patients, Siblings, and Controls.
Şahin B, Tekin E, Çobanoğlu Osmanlı C
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41893965 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggests shared neurobiological mechanisms between epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including alterations in GABAergic signaling, synaptic plasticity, and functional connectivity...
BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggests shared neurobiological mechanisms between epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including alterations in GABAergic signaling, synaptic plasticity, and functional connectivity. However, the prevalence of autistic traits and cognitive flexibility impairments in adolescents with epilepsy without ASD remains underexplored. METHODS: This cross-sectional study compared 47 adolescents with epilepsy (12-18 years), 40 siblings, and 43 healthy controls. Participants were assessed using the Autism Spectrum Quotient-Adolescent Version (AQ-Adolescent) and the Cognitive Flexibility Scale (CFS). Clinical and developmental data were collected via standardized forms. Group differences were analyzed using ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests, with post-hoc corrections. Correlations and logistic regression models examined associations between epileptic features, autistic traits, and cognitive flexibility. RESULTS: The epilepsy group exhibited significantly higher autistic traits (mean AQ = 31.2) compared to siblings (26.3) and controls (19.8; p < 0.001), with focal seizures linked to a 7.5-fold increased risk of clinically significant traits (AQ ≥ 30; p = 0.040). Cognitive flexibility was markedly lower in the epilepsy group (mean CFS = 48.2) versus siblings (56.5) and controls (58.2; p < 0.001). A strong negative correlation emerged between AQ and CFS scores (r = - 0.430, p < 0.001). Siblings of individuals with epilepsy had a 25-fold higher likelihood of elevated autistic traits (p = 0.012), supporting familial endophenotypes. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with epilepsy demonstrate elevated autistic traits and cognitive inflexibility, independent of ASD diagnosis. The sibling findings suggest shared genetic or environmental risk factors. Early screening for these traits may guide targeted interventions to improve psychosocial outcomes.
Effect of Autism Portrayal in Television and Film Media on Viewers With Autism.
White JM, Snape S
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41893964 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Representation of people with autism in television and film media is increasing. However, inaccurate or stereotypical representations can be potentially harmful to the world’s view of people with autism. This ha...
PURPOSE: Representation of people with autism in television and film media is increasing. However, inaccurate or stereotypical representations can be potentially harmful to the world’s view of people with autism. This has been widely explored in previous literature. However, less attention has been given to analysing how people with autism perceive these representations and the effect that these representations have on people with autism themselves. The current study therefore explored the perceptions of people with autism on representations of autism in television and film media and the effects that these representations have on them. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 10 participants with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on this topic. Thematic analysis was then carried out. RESULTS: Thematic analysis identified three key themes: ‘neurotypical actors in autistic roles leads to feelings of discomfort’; ‘autism representation is well-meaning, but lazy’; and ‘harmful effect of the autistic savant’. CONCLUSION: Overall, rather than empowering and including people with autism, the representations of autism in television and film media that they encountered were often found to be distressing. These findings have clear implications for how autism representation in television and film media could be improved.
Emergency Department Care for Patients With Prader-Willi Syndrome: A 2019-2021 National Emergency Department Sample Analysis.
Luccarelli J, Strong TV, McCoy TH
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41886152 · Full text
PURPOSE: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder with complex medical and psychiatric manifestations that may necessitate emergency department (ED) care. This study characterizes ED presentations among pat...
PURPOSE: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder with complex medical and psychiatric manifestations that may necessitate emergency department (ED) care. This study characterizes ED presentations among patients with PWS using a nationally representative cohort of ED presentations in the United States. METHODS: The National Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) was queried for patients with a coded diagnosis of PWS from Oct 2019 through Dec 2021. ED presentations for patients with PWS were matched to 5 non-PWS presentations based on age, sex, year, and hospital characteristics. RESULTS: Over 27 months there were 8,100 (95% CI 6,759 to 9,441) ED presentations for patients with PWS, or approximately 1 in 35,000 overall ED presentations. PWS patients were predominantly young (median age: 23 years), with notable comorbidities including septicemia, respiratory failure, and psychiatric conditions such as agitation and impulse-control disorders. Compared to matched control patients, PWS patients had higher odds of hospital admission (43.3% vs. 11.9%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 6.0) and death (1.6% vs. 0.1%; aOR: 11.2) during their hospital encounter. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with PWS present to the emergency department with numerous medical and psychiatric complexities resulting in greater clinical complexity and mortality than matched control presentations. The rarity of PWS in the ED likely implies limited provider familiarity, which may exacerbate challenges in care delivery. These findings emphasize the need for increased awareness and education regarding PWS among emergency care providers and identify best practices for addressing the acute care needs of this vulnerable population.
Evaluation of Parental Awareness, Attitudes, and Perceptions Regarding Autism Spectrum Disorders in Kuwait: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Impact of Social Awareness Initiatives on Stigmatization.
Al Aqel A, Al Saed S, Alsaber A … +1 more , Al Bustan SA
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41886151 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: This cross-sectional study in Kuwait aims to evaluate parents’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding autism spectrum disorders (ASD), with a specific focus on the mediating influence of expertise. Autism s...
PURPOSE: This cross-sectional study in Kuwait aims to evaluate parents’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding autism spectrum disorders (ASD), with a specific focus on the mediating influence of expertise. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) it’s a multifaceted neurodevelopmental disease that impacts communication and social interaction. Timely diagnosis and management are essential for enhancing outcomes. Nevertheless, numerous regions, including Kuwait, experience a deficiency in parental knowledge, potentially obstructing early intervention. This study examines the impact of stigma and social awareness activities on parental comprehension, analyzing how these elements influence attitudes and views regarding ASD. METHODS: The study employs a structured questionnaire distributed to 500 parents to assess their understanding of autism, exposure to awareness initiatives, and views of stigma. The study was utilizing mediation analysis to investigate how knowledge and perception mediate the interactions among stigma, social awareness initiatives, and parental attitudes. RESULTS: Social awareness initiatives significantly influenced perception (β = 0.684, p < 0.001) and attitude (β = 0.218, p = 0.002), underscoring their role in shaping positive parental views toward ASD. Stigma had a substantial negative impact on attitude (β = -0.459, p < 0.001). However, stigma did not significantly affect perception (β = -0.037, p = 0.338), and the relationship between perception and attitude (β = 0.100, p = 0.132). These findings highlight the critical role of awareness campaigns in reducing stigma and fostering positive attitudes. CONCLUSION: This study seeks to enhance the understanding and assistance for individuals with autism and Kuwait.
Patterns of Behavioral and Emotional Problems in Young Children With Developmental Disabilities: Cluster Analysis and Longitudinal Follow-Up.
Rivard M, Mestari Z, Morin D … +4 more , Hastings R, Coulombe P, Mello C, Forget J
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41886150 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Data on the presentation of behavioral and emotional problems in early childhood and their evolution over time through large, longitudinal cohort studies remain scarce, which limits the current state of knowledg...
PURPOSE: Data on the presentation of behavioral and emotional problems in early childhood and their evolution over time through large, longitudinal cohort studies remain scarce, which limits the current state of knowledge on how to guide early childhood interventions. This study aimed to develop a better understanding of behavior problems in young children with developmental disabilities, of how these change over time, and of associated child and family characteristics. METHODS: This longitudinal study on 958 families addressed several shortcomings of the literature by adopting an instrument specifically developed to measure behavioral and emotional problems in children with developmental disabilities, the Developmental Behavior Checklist (Einfeld et al. in Manual for the developmental behaviour checklist: Primary carer version (DBC-P) and teacher version (DBC-T), Monash University, 2002), by employing consistent data collection intervals (i.e., after the diagnosis and at two annual follow-ups), and by sampling a homogeneous age group (i.e., 18-59 months at the time of diagnosis). Children's emotional and behavioral problems, adaptive behavior, intellectual functioning, and autism symptoms, as well as parenting stress and family quality of life were assessed. RESULTS: Overall, social and communication problems tended to decrease, while externalizing behavior problems tended to increase and internalizing behaviors remained stable over time. Cluster analysis yielded four subgroups based on behavioral and emotional problems as assessed at the time of diagnosis. These subgroups differed in child's gender and diagnostic labels and on other child and family characteristics. Patterns of change in behavioral and emotional problems significantly differed over time according group membership. CONCLUSION: Co-occuring conditions, such as emotional and behavioral problems, should be considered in planning interventions.
Problematic Screen Exposure and Sleep Disturbances in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Mediating Role of Sensory Processing.
Altun Varmis D, Bozduman Çelebi S
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41879957 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Sensory processing abnormalities are core features of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and may contribute to sleep problems. This study tested whether sensory processing mediates the between problematic scree...
INTRODUCTION: Sensory processing abnormalities are core features of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and may contribute to sleep problems. This study tested whether sensory processing mediates the between problematic screen exposure (PSE) and sleep disturbances in children with ASD. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 108 children (6-12 years old) diagnosed with ASD according to the DSM-5. Autism severity was measured using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). The caregivers completed the Dunn Sensory Profile, Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), Seven-in-Seven Screen Exposure Questionnaire, Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) and Aberrant Behavior Checklist (AbBC). Group comparisons, and mediation models were also used. RESULTS: Children with PSE scored significantly higher on the AbBC and ABC scales and experienced more severe sleep disturbances than those without PSE. No differences emerged as regards autism severity in the non-problematic PSE and PSE groups. Significant sensory deficits were observed in the visual, vestibular, and tactile domains (p < 0.001). Mediation analysis accounted for the total indirect effects through visual (β = -0.067, p = 0.022) and multisensory (β = -0.055, p = 0.016), although the direct effect of the screen exposure on sleep disturbance was not significant. CONCLUSION: PSE is associated with sleep disturbances in children with ASD, with this association appearing to be statistically mediated by sensory processing dysregulation. These results highlight sensory regulatory mechanisms as a key pathway linking PSE to sleep difficulties and imply that both screen exposure patterns and sensory modulation may be appropriate targets for clinical consideration.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Rates of Prolonged Autism Diagnosis Process & Prior Diagnoses in Mental Health Specialty Care.
Underwood Carrasco VI, Zuckerman KE, Charlesworth C … +3 more , Watson K, McConnell KJ, Lindly OJ
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41879956 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: A prolonged diagnostic process (PDP), in which an autism diagnosis is received > 90 days after entering specialty mental health (SMH) care, can hinder early and equitable diagnosis. Given recent changes in autis...
PURPOSE: A prolonged diagnostic process (PDP), in which an autism diagnosis is received > 90 days after entering specialty mental health (SMH) care, can hinder early and equitable diagnosis. Given recent changes in autism prevalence, we hypothesized PDP would be less common and racial and ethnic disparities less pronounced than previously reported. METHODS: Claims data were analyzed from 21,586 Medicaid-enrolled children ages 2-8 years entering SMH care in 2017, who received an autism diagnosis in the subsequent two years. Race and ethnicity, as captured by enrollment data, were the primary exposures; PDP was the primary outcome. Further analysis assessed diagnoses received before autism by exposure. RESULTS: Overall, 21.2% of children had an autism PDP with substantial interstate variability (14-31%). In adjusted models, American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN), Asian, and Hispanic children had a lower probability of PDP than white children. Among children with PDP, the most common prior diagnoses were ADHD or speech and language disorders. In adjusted models, ADHD diagnosis before autism diagnosis was less likely for Hispanic and Asian children but more likely for AIAN children than white children. Speech and language disorder diagnoses before an autism diagnosis were more likely among Asian, Black, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and Hispanic children. CONCLUSIONS: Current racial and ethnic disparities in PDP were narrower than those previously reported; however, disparities persist in diagnoses before autism. Findings highlight the need for SMH providers to receive more education on differential diagnoses for autism and coexisting mental health conditions. PDP variation across states further supports focusing on state-level care differences.
Mindful Parenting in Mothers of Children in Childhood and Adolescence With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Identifying Possible Antecedents.
Gallo M, Gugliandolo MC, De Salvo E … +2 more , Cuzzocrea F, Larcan R
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41874792 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Mindful parenting is a set of parenting practices based on the application of mindfulness to the context of the parent-child relationship that is relevant for parents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) children...
PURPOSE: Mindful parenting is a set of parenting practices based on the application of mindfulness to the context of the parent-child relationship that is relevant for parents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) children (Beer in Mindfulness 4(2): 102–112, 2013). Interest in the identification of correlates of mindful parenting is growing because it could allow to account for variability in parenting practices. Self-determination theory provides a relevant theoretical framework to explain this variability; for this reason, this study examines the relationship between autonomous and controlled motivation, resilience, and mindful parenting in parents with ASD children and adolescents. METHODS: 73 mothers of ASD children in childhood, and 67 mothers of ASD children in adolescence completed measures of the Parenting Motivation Scale (Jungert in J Child Family Stud 24(7): 1932–1942, 2014), the Resilience Scale (Girtler in Clin Exp Rheumatol 28(5): 669–678, 2010), and the Bangor Mindful Parenting Scale (Jones in APAPsycTests 10:514, 2014). Multi-group analysis of a structural equation model showed that the structural associations weren’t invariant across the two groups. RESULTS: The results suggest that in both groups autonomous motivation is associated with resilience and resilience is associated with mindful parenting. Furthermore, in the younger age group, autonomous motivation is positively associated with mindful parenting, while controlled motivation is negatively associated. CONCLUSION: Using SDT, this study provides relevant and innovative data for research on mindful parenting in families with ASD children, identifying some possible antecedents at different developmental stages of the children.
Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder Severity Levels From the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) in the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network.
Russell LA, Tinker SC, Shaw KA … +6 more , Maenner MJ, Dirienzo M, Kirby AV, Howerton EM, Vanegas SB, Lopez M
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41872583 · Full text
PURPOSE: The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) introduced severity level specifiers for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with minimal description of the criteria for categor...
PURPOSE: The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) introduced severity level specifiers for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with minimal description of the criteria for categorizing three levels of severity (1 to 3, with 3 being the most “severe”). The objective of the analysis was to assess the prevalence of ASD severity levels using population-based surveillance data. METHODS: We analyzed severity level data on children with ASD ages 4- and 8-years-old in 2018 and 2020 in the multisite Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. Prevalence of any documented severity level and of each individual level were calculated overall and by demographic characteristics. Prevalence ratios adjusted for sex, race/ethnicity, age, intellectual disability, ADDM surveillance year, and site (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used for comparisons. RESULTS: Less than half (40.4%) of children with documented ASD diagnoses had any severity level specified in their records, with wide variation by site (4.8%-73.2%). Severity levels were more common in records of children aged 4, in surveillance year 2020, and more often missing in non-Hispanic Black children and from records also missing information on intellectual disability (ID). Higher prevalence of more severe (level 3) ASD was observed among non-Hispanic Black children, children aged 4 years, children in 2020, and children with ID. CONCLUSION: Utilization of the DSM-5’s severity levels by community professionals varied widely, limiting their potential utility in identifying needed services and supports for children with ASD.
Correction: Exploring Correlations of Unemployment, Underemployment, and Well-Being Among Autistic Job Seekers by Race in the United States.
VanDaalen RA, Zhao JL, Hsiao YJE … +4 more , Karsting H, Cai RY, Kim JP, Fung LK
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 May · PMID 41863679 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Autistic adults have high levels of unemployment and underemployment, which may have detrimental effects on their financial and psychological well-being. In the current project, we explore correlates of psycholo...
PURPOSE: Autistic adults have high levels of unemployment and underemployment, which may have detrimental effects on their financial and psychological well-being. In the current project, we explore correlates of psychological and financial well-being, as well as depressive symptoms, with different levels of employment while examining whether race moderates these relationships. METHODS: We utilized survey data from autistic job seekers in the United States who expressed interest in a larger clinical trial of a supported employment program. RESULTS: Among the 710 participants, 248 (34.9%) were currently employed; among the employed participants, 127 (51.2%) met at least one criterion for underemployment. In general, there were no significant differences by employment status in depressive symptoms, psychological well-being, or financial well-being. However, when controlling for age, gender, and education level, race/ethnicity significantly moderated the relationship between employment status and depressive symptoms. Specifically, fully employed Asian American participants had significantly fewer depressive symptoms compared to their underemployed counterparts. CONCLUSION: The present study highlights the nuances of employment status and well-being among diverse autistic individuals, especially Asian American autistic individuals.
Brief Report: Healthcare Utilization and Expenditure Trends Among Autistic Transition Age Youth.
Smith PH, Ventimiglia J, Wright J … +5 more , Rast JE, Schendel DE, Mullachery PH, Lee BK, Shea LL
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41863678 · Full text
PURPOSE: The transition to adult healthcare is a vulnerable time for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Prior research using Medicaid data (2001–2005) found this group had declining utilization rates into a...
PURPOSE: The transition to adult healthcare is a vulnerable time for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Prior research using Medicaid data (2001–2005) found this group had declining utilization rates into adulthood for some types of care (e.g., psychiatric outpatient). Substantial changes to Medicaid and the ASD population have occurred since this time. We reassessed healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) across the transition to adulthood Medicaid claims data from 2015 to 2019. METHODS: We selected enrollees with at least one fee for service claim, aged 16–19 years in 2015, who were also enrolled in 2019 using diagnostic groupings: ASD/no ID (n = 23,460), ID/no ASD (n = 21,256) and ASD + ID (n = 10,115). HCRU indicators included utilization rates and per capita expenditures for outpatient, inpatient, long-term, and medication care, with each type further divided into psychiatric and non-psychiatric (i.e., medical). RESULTS: The ID groups had overall higher HCRU than the ASD only group. ASD + ID adults had especially high HCRU for psychiatric outpatient care. HCRU increased into adulthood for psychiatric outpatient and long-term care, driven by higher expenditures among those with >$0 expenditures. HCRU declined into adulthood for inpatient care and medication use. CONCLUSION: In contrast to 2001–2005, having an ID diagnosis resulted in greater HRCU across transition to adulthood, potentially reflecting changes in the Medicaid ASD population over time. Consistent with 2001–2005, utilization rates generally declined for all three groups across the transition to adulthood. Greater expenditure among those using psychiatric outpatient and long-term care in adulthood resulted in greater overall resource utilization than adolescence.
Special Education Teachers' Intention to Support the Use of Computerized Cognitive Training for Children With NDDs in China: A Theory of Planned Behavior Perspective.
Zhang B
J Autism Dev Disord · 2026 Mar · PMID 41863677 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: This study examined special education teachers’ (SETs) intentions to support the use of Computerized Cognitive Training (CCT) for children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in China, framed by the Theory...
PURPOSE: This study examined special education teachers’ (SETs) intentions to support the use of Computerized Cognitive Training (CCT) for children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in China, framed by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). As digital transformation reshapes special education, understanding SETs’ acceptance of CCT is critical for its effective implementation. METHODS: A survey was conducted with 310 SETs from various regions in China. Participants completed a validated questionnaire measuring attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, behavioral beliefs, and intentions toward CCT use. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and path analysis were used to identify the psychosocial factors influencing SETs’ intentions. RESULTS: SETs demonstrated generally positive attitudes toward CCT, acknowledging its potential to enhance cognitive abilities in children with NDDs. Subjective norms and perceived behavioral control significantly predicted behavioral intentions, with subjective norms showing a stronger effect. SETs’ knowledge and prior experience with CCT were positively correlated with their attitudes and intentions. Path analysis revealed that subjective norms fully mediated the relationship between perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention, underscoring the central role of social influence. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the psychosocial mechanisms shaping SETs’ intentions to adopt CCT in Chinese special education. Although SETs’ experience with CCT remains limited, their favorable attitudes and strong social support suggest high potential for adoption. Interventions that strengthen SETs training and foster supportive institutional environments are essential for promoting effective CCT integration.
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